Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 15: Natrang celebrated its 34th Foundation Day here today at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu with the staging of a new play ‘Henry and Anne’ written and directed by Aarushi Thakur.
The presentation was supported by Confederation of Indian Industry, J&K. Amit Sharma, Managing Director, SIDCO and Rahul Sahai, Vice Chairman CII, J&K were the special guests on the occasion.
Welcoming the august gathering, Natrang Director, Balwant Thakur gave a bird eye view of the most eventful happening journey of last 33 years of Natrang. Founded on 15th May, 1983, the group started its humble journey with the staging of two classic plays ‘Neeli Jheel’ and ‘Nahen Kandhey Nanhen Pair’ at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu.
In 33 years with 350 new plays/new musicals/mega events and 5935 shows, Natrang emerged as one of the important cultural centers of the country which made a record participation in more than 195 National/ International theatre/cultural festivals.
Currently Natrang runs ten different departments which include ‘Natrang Theatre Repertory Company’, ‘Natrang Children Wing’, ‘Natrang Rural Theatre’ ‘Natrang Music and Dance Repertory, ‘Natrang Mega Events Wing’ ‘Natrang Sunday Theatre’ ‘Natrang Theatre Laboratory’ ‘Natrang Documentation and Resource Centre’ ‘Natrang Extension Programmes Wing’ and ‘Natrang Scholarship and training programmes’.
Balwant Thakur further said that by another few years we see Natrang as one of the most creative happening place in India. An out of world destination of cultural enthusiasts. A place which will not only have the required infrastructure but also the capacity and the skilled human resource to host National/International events. A dream world for children – a space for their creative outlet and over all artistic growth. The Institution is all set to create an International level campus in Jammu housing an auditorium, two Studio Theatres, theatre residences, resource centre and an exclusive centre for children.
Today’s play ‘Henry & Anne’ which marked the celebrations of Foundation day is a new English play adapted from the works of William Shakespeare, and the private letters of King Henry VIII to his lover Anne Boleyn. The play highlights the affair of the king with a commoner for whom he leaves his wife, the princess of Spain and breaks the English church from the Roman church, tearing apart the religious sentiments of all the Catholics in England in the 15th century.
The artists who gave engrossing performances included Rajan Thakyal, Mahikshit Singh Sambyal, Gauri Thakur, Gopi Sharma, Anam Malik, Prashant Sareen, Akshit Koul, Ashish Dhar, Goutam Sharma, Shaan Khan, Aman Kapoor, Shubham Khajuria, Mohit Kaul, Zitin Kaul, Bhisham Gupta, Apoorv Dewan, Nikhil Dubey, Vaneeka Gupta, Koushall Manhas, Nitish Kaul, Vansheeka Gupta, Ayn Bhola, Riya Jandial, Sanket Bhagat, Rahul Gupta and Tanu Sabarwal.
The lights of the play were designed by Neeraj Kant and executed by Anil Tickoo whereas the music of the play was executed by Brijesh Avtaar Sharma. The show was presented by Sumeet Sharma and Mohd Yaseen looked after the public relations. The hall management were looked after by Rajesh Gupta, Yash Manhas, Shivam Singh and Abhee Bargotra.
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